Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
March 02, 2017, Finance Committee Meeting. Minutes
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Town of Canton Finance Committee Minutes voted on: 3/~6/~7
Meeting Minutes vote: 4-0-~
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Members Present:
Rob Barker, Nichols Gallagher, Dianne Gustafson, Stephanie Leach, Tim McKenna, Barbara Saint Andre
and Cindy Thomas.
Members Absent:
Jerry Dorfman and Cynthia Holcombe.
Guests Present:
Jeremy Comeau, Chair, Planning Board
Bob Panico, Member, Planning Board
Seth Pickering, Green Communities, Southeast Regional Coordinator, Mass DEP Office, Lakeville
Laura Smead, Town Planner
Ed Walsh, Building Commissioner
Jim Murgia, Finance Director
Ellen Jones, Finance Committee Secretary
Opening: A meeting of the Canton Finance Committee was called to order by Chair Saint Andre at
7:04 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017 in the Salah Meeting Room of Town Hall.
A. Approval of Agenda
Chair Saint Andre reviewed the items on the agenda —Planning Board and zoning articles for Town
Meeting.
B. Announcements
There were no announcements.
C. New Business
Chair Saint Andre welcomed Jeremy Comeau, Planning Board Chair, and Laura Smead, Town Planner
Laura Smead.
M r. Comeau and Ms. Smead provided the following information regarding the Planning Board
sponsored and zoning Town Meeting articles as follows:
Article 38 —Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 8.1.5 "Procedures" Accessory Apartment
Mr. Comeau stated that Article 38 is sponsored by the Board of Selectmen. The BOS is attempting to
eliminate the need for residents to appear before the Zoning Board to have accessory apartments
renewed. Under this amendment permits for accessory apartments would automatically renew every
three years. Accessory apartments are for family members. Planning Board voted 4-0 to support Article
38.
Article 39 —Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 10.5.14 "Lapse"
Article 39 is another article sponsored by the Board of Selectmen. The purpose of this amendment
change is to bring special permits and site plans within the same timeframe terms. Planning Board voted
3-0 to support Article 39.
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Article 40 —Vote to Accept Cedarcrest Road as a Town Wav Article 41 —Vote to Accept Beatrice Way as a Town Way Article 42 —Vote to Accept New Boston Drive as a Town Wav The Planning Board voted to support Articles 40, 41 and 42 at their meeting on March 1. Mr. Comeau stated that the Engineering Department has reviewed the plans and are satisfied with the layout of the streets. Mr. Comeau stated that there are still punch lists on these three streets. Chair Saint Andre strongly suggested and expects that these punch lists should be completed prior to Town Meeting. Mr. Comeau stated that he is hopeful in the future that the Town will have a separate procedure for street acceptances and that they are completed in advance during the summer months prior to the deadline for filing articles for Town Meeting the following spring. Mr. Panico spoke as a member of the Planning Board. He stated that he did not see any problem with Cedarcrest Road and Beatrice Way being completed prior to Town Meeting. With regard to New Boston Drive, Mr. Panico stated that due to its age and usage and consultation with Mr. Tom Houston (the Planning Board's consultant) he did not see any reason why the road would not be completed by Town Meeting. Article 43 —Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 10.7/14 CCDRB Composition Mr. Comeau stated that the Planning Board had been approached by a downtown business owner who informed him the Downtown Business Association is still in existence and should be represented on the CCDRB Committee. The Planning Board voted 3-0 to indefinitely postpone Article 43. Article 44 —Amend General By-Laws by Adding Article XXIII (Adoption of Stretch Energv Code) Ms. Smead provided detailed information regarding Article 44 (see meeting handout). The Planning Board voted 5-0 at their meeting on March 1 to support this new General By-Law. Ms. Smead explained that if this new Stretch Energy Code were adopted at Town Meeting the Town would qualify under Criteria 5 to be designated as a "Green Community" by the state. If the Town is designated as a "Green Community" the Town would have more opportunities for additional grant funding for energy efficiencies and improvements to school and municipal buildings. Ms. Smead further explained that there was little difference between the Stretch Energy Code and the standard building energy code currently in place. More than half the communities in Massachusetts have adopted the Stretch Energy Code. Mr. Walsh stated that he is in full support of adopting the Stretch Energy Code. Mr. Pickering, the Southeast Region Coordinator for Green Communities, with the Massachusetts Energy & Environmental Affairs explained that there was more flexibility in residential construction for achieving the HERS rating of at least 55. The base building code still contains basic required energy efficiencies for insulation etc. The HERS rater would do a general analysis for the general contractor or builder. The predicted HERS rating would be submitted at the time of the building permit application. Follow up would be done during the actual construction phase. The HERS rater is actively involved with the builder and the insulation company and mechanical installers. The Building Commissioner would have the ultimate authority to inspect the work and certify. Mr. Pickering further stated that as of January 1, 2017 the building code and stretch energy code were essentially the same except for residential construction. M r. Walsh stated that the Town averages 28-30 new homes per year. When the stretch energy code was first implemented, he and many contractors were not fully supportive of it. Over time the two codes have become similar and since January 1 all the builders have been accepting of the code. Mr. Walsh stated that if the Town accepted the Stretch Energy code and the Town was designated as a "Green Community" the code would apply beyond just the building code but also how the Town would purchase vehicles etc. The Town would not receive credits for solar energy for being designated as a "Green Community" FINCOM 20170302 Minutes Page 2 oY 8 3/0~/]7
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Article 49 —Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 11.0 Definitions of Manufacturing &Scientific or Research Lab M r. Comeau stated that this by-law change would add language in order to include allowable renewable energy companies. The Planning Board voted 3-0 to support Article 49. Article 45 —Vote to Amend Zoning By-Laws by Deleting Section 4.2.1 (Build Factor) Mr. Comeau stated that this was one of the most waived by-law. Article 45 would delete unnecessary language from the Zoning By-Laws. Because of the "Pork Chop LoY' by-law in 2016, the Planning Board feels the build factor zoning by-law is no longer needed. The Planning Board voted 3-0 in favor of Article 45. Article 46 —Amend Zoning Map to Expand Groundwater Protection Overlay District The Planning Board had been contacted by Westwood and Dedham to update the water district area in the far northern section of Canton. Mr. Comeau stated that this expansion of the groundwater protection overlay district would not affect homeowners. Ms. Thomas expressed concern that this zoning map expansion could have implications to homeowners. Ms. Thomas spoke from personal experience. Homeowners could be subject to additional design costs when installing new sewers in properties that fall under groundwater protection overlay districts. Ms. Thomas would like to make sure citizens understand this change before them at Town Meeting. Mr. McKenna inquired if there would be a cost impact to any Town committees, such as the Conservation Committee, for monitoring. Mr. Comeau did not comment on this inquiry. Ms. Gallagher requested a gap analysis of what restrictions the groundwater protection overlay designation would add, which do not already exist with the current designation. Article 47 —Vote to Approve Funds for a Consultant to Update the Master Plan - $150,000 The last Master Plan was completed in 2004. Article 47 is requesting funds to update the existing Master Plan. Ms. Smead provided detailed information (see meeting handout) with regard to this update. Ms. Smead researched the cost of completing a master plan in several other communities and was comfortable requesting $150,000 from free cash. She felt that this amount would be enough to also address transportation issues. This update would be completed over atwo-year period. Ms. Smead would be submitting revised language for Article 47, specifically with an update to the total number of members on the Master Plan Update Committee and the number of citizen representatives to the committee. Chair Saint Andre requested that the Finance Committee receive the new motion as soon as possible given the Town Meeting deadline constraints for the Committee. M r. Barker inquired if this updated Master Plan would be duplicating studies and funds that are in progress or that have already been completed. Ms. Smead stated that any studies such as storm water management plan, housing action and open space and recreation plan (being requested at this year's Town Meeting) would be incorporated into the Master Plan. Ms. Gustafson inquired if $150,000 would be enough to complete the update. Ms. Smead stated that there would need to be follow-up studies completed and that extra funding would also be needed to implement any actions as a result of the master plan update. Ms. Gustafson stated that it would be helpful for Town Meeting if it was made clear as to the items that had been completed or those items that were still outstanding from the original Master Plan in 2004. Ms. Smead stated that a Master Plan was meant to be used and updated every 5-10 years and that some plans need to be updated to maintain grants. She further stated that this update would get the Town through the next five years and that another major update would not need to be done for 10 years. F[NCOM 20170302 Minutes Page 3 of 8 3/0/17
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The Planning Board supported Article 47 but the motion for Article 47 would be the Finance Committee's motion for Town Meeting. Article 48 —Amend Zoning Map to Rezone Golf Courses Mr. Comeau explained that this amendment to the zoning map to rezone golf courses would increase the minimum lot size from 30,000 sq. ft. to 45,000 sq. ft., thereby minimizing the number of single-family homes that could be built on private golf courses. The Planning Board voted 3-0 to support Article 48. A Finance Committee inquired if the Planning Board had reached out to the golf course owners to apprise them of this zoning change. Mr. Comeau stated that they had not reached out to the golf course owners other but had notified them as landowners through the certified green card process. Ponkapoag Golf Course is already designated as open space. Article 48 specifically mentions Milton-Hoosic, Blue Hills, Wompatuck and Brook Meadow Golf Courses. Article 50 —Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 6.1 Off-Street Parking Article 50 would reduce impervious surfaces by reducing the size of parking spaces and allow permeable construction material. Any space saved by a reduction in the parking spaces would need to be used as open space. The Planning Board supported Article 50 with a vote of 3-0. Article 51 —Vote to Adopt Marijuana Regulations The purpose of Article 51 was to adopt a marijuana by-law as set forth by the Acts of 2016. The Planning Board voted to 5-0 to indefinitely postpone Article 51. Article 52 —Amend Zoning By-Law by Adding Section 7.8 Special Requirements for Licensed Marijuana Establishments Mr. Comeau stated the Planning Board voted 4-0 to present to Town Meeting a motion for cone-year temporary moratorium on the sale and distribution of recreational marijuana. He further stated that the moratorium motion has been vetted by Town Counsel. Article 53 —Amend Zoning by-Laws, Table of use Regulations, Section F Mr. Comeau stated that the Planning Board had been approached by a tradesman who is interested in setting up a shop in a limited industrial district. This by-law would allow a shop less than 5,000 sq. ft. in a limited industrial district. The Planning voted 3-0 support Article 53. Article 54 —Vote to Amend the Zoning Map by Rezoning Certain Open Space Mr. Comeau stated that the Planning Board voted 3-0 to indefinitely postpone Article 54. The Planning Board had since learned that the parcels were already protected in perpetuity as public recreation and open space. Article 55 —Vote to Amend the Zoning Map to Rezone Parcels to Parkland &Open Space Zoning District Mr. Comeau stated that the Planning Board voted 4-0 to recommend to Town Meeting that the parcels as listed in the warrant be designated at Parkland and Open Space. The Finance Committee voted on the following articles: Vote -Article 38 —Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 8.1.5 "Procedures" Accessory Apartment A motion made by Mr. Barker that the Zoning By-Laws Section 8.1.15 "Procedures" Accessory Apartment be amended as written in the warrant was seconded by Ms. Gallagher. Vote: 6-1-0. FINCOM 20170302 Minutes Page 4 of 8 3/0~/l7
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Chair Saint Andre voted against this article because the change in language is more confusing than the
original language.
Vote -Article 39 —Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 10.5.14 "Lapse"
A motion made by Ms. Thomas that the Zoning By-Laws Section 10.5.14 "Lapse" be amended by
deleting the words "one (1) year" and substituting in their place the words "two (2) years" was
seconded by Mr. Barker. Vote: 7-0-0.
Vote -Article 40 —Vote to Accept Cedarcrest Road as a Town Wav
Vote -Article 41 —Vote to Accept Beatrice Wav as a Town Wav
Vote -Article 42 —Vote to Accept New Boston Drive as a Town Wav
The Finance Committee did not vote on Articles 41, 41 and 42. They decided to wait to vote on the
articles until after they have met with the Board of Selectmen on March 14`h. Their votes will be depend
upon information regarding the outstanding punch lists for these streets. A member made a suggestion
that the Finance Committee's discussions for Town Meeting should mention the completion of the streets.
Vote -Article 43 —Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 10.7/14 CCDRB Composition
A motion made by Ms. Gallagher that the subject matter of Article 43 be indefinitely postponed
was seconded by Mr. McKenna. Vote: 7-0-0.
Vote -Article 44 —Amend General By-Laws by Adding Article XXIII (Adoption of Stretch Energv
Code
A motion made by Mr. McKenna that the subject matter of Article 44 to amend the General By-
Laws by adding Article XXIII (Adoption of Stretch Energy Code) as printed in the warrant be
recommended to Town Meeting was seconded by Ms. Gallagher. Vote: 7-0-0.
Vote -Article 45 —Vote to Amend Zonincl By-Laws by Deleting Section 4.2.1 (Build Factor)
A motion made by Ms. Gallagher that the subject matter of Article 45 to amend the Zoning By-
Laws by deleting Section 4.2.1 (Build Factor) as printed in the warrant be recommended to Town
Meeting was seconded by Mr. McKenna. Vote: 7-0-0.
Vote -Article 46 —Amend Zoning Map to Expand Groundwater Protection Overlay District
The Finance Committee decided to postpone voting on Article 46 until they receive more information from
the Town Planner.
Vote -Article 47 —Vote to Approve Funds for a Consultant to Update the Master Plan - $150.000
A motion made by Ms. Gallagher to approve $150,000 for a consultant to update the Master Plan
was seconded by Mr. McKenna.
Ms. Gustafson asked for a tally of the free cash before she approves the transfer from free cash for
$150,000 for this article.
Mr. Murgia stated that so far the following amounts will be requested from free cash at Town Meeting:
• $35,000 for the 4`h of July celebration,
• $99,000 for School HVAC operating expenses and
• $410,000 for a Ch. 90 supplement.
Chair Saint Andre stated that the Finance Committee should postpone voting on Article 45 until the
Committee has the final language of the motion.
Ms. Gustafson preferred waiting to vote on the motion until the Committee has heard from the Board of
Selectmen.
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Mr. Barker requested clarification as to how the Master Plan will dovetail with other plans and studies that have already been completed or are in the process of being completed. Ms. Gallagher withdrew her motion. Vote -Article 48 —Amend Zoning Map to Rezone Golf Courses A motion made by Mr. McKenna that the subject matter of Article 48 to amend the zoning map to rezone golf courses was seconded by Mr. Barker. Vote: 7-0-0. Vote -Article 49 —Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 11.0 Definitions of Manufacturing &Scientific or Research Lab A motion made by Ms. Gallagher that the subject matter of Article 49 to amend the Zoning By- Laws Section 11.0 Definitions of Manufacturing &Scientific or Research Lab was seconded by Ms. Gustafson. Vote: 7-0-0. Vote -Article 50 —Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 6.1 Off-Street Parking A motion made by Mr. McKenna that the subject matter of Article 50 to amend the Zoning By-Laws Section 6.1 Off-Street Parking was seconded by Ms. Gustafson. Vote: 7-0-0. Vote -Article 51 —Vote to Adopt Marijuana Regulations A motion made by Mr. Barker that the subject matter of Article 51 be indefinitely postponed was seconded by Mr. McKenna. Vote: 7-0-0. Vote -Article 52 —Amend Zoning By-Law by Adding Section 7.8 Special Requirements for Licensed Marijuana Establishments The Finance Committee decided to postpone voting on Article 52 until they receive the exact language for the motion. The Town Planner would forward the motion language to them. Vote -Article 53 —Amend Zoning by-Laws, Table of Use Regulations, Section F A motion made by Mr. McKenna that the subject matter of Article 53 to amend the Zoning By-Laws Table of Use Regulations, Section F was seconded by Ms. Gustafson. Vote: 7-0-0. Mr. Barker recommended that the intended change for Article 53 should be simplified for voters. Vote -Article 54 —Vote to Amend the Zoning Map by Rezoning Certain Open Space A motion made by Mr. Barker that the subject matter of Article 54 be indefinitely postponed was seconded by Ms. Gustafson. Vote: 7-0-0. Vote -Article 55 —Vote to Amend the Zoning Map to Rezone Parcels to Parkland &Open Space Zoning District A motion made by Ms. Gallagher that the subject matter of Article 55 to amend the Zoning Map by Rezoning Parcels to Parkland &Open Space Zoning District was seconded by Mr. Barker. Vote: 7-0-0. D. Other Business/Open Issues There were none. FINCOM 20170302 Minutes Page 6 of 8 3/0/17
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E. Approval of Minutes The February 28, 2017 minutes were not ready for approval. The minutes would be placed on the next agenda. F. Next Meeting Date: The next meeting would take place on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Salah Meeting Room of Town Hall to discuss the FY18 School Department budget and the FY18 municipal and school capital requests. Ms. Gustafson requested information about free cash and information regarding a transfer from free cash to OPEB. The Finance Committee's discussions for the Recommendations to Town Meeting would be discussed after March 17~n Adjournment: A motion made by Ms. Gallagher to adjourn the meeting at 9:19 p.m. was seconded by Ms. Gustafson. Vote: 7-0-0. Minutes reviewed by: Nichols Gallagher Respectfully submitted, J Barb a Saint Andre Chair, Canton Finance Committee FINCOM 20170302 Minutes Page 7 of 8 3/05/17
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Town of Canton
Finance Committee Meeting —Thursday, March 2, 2017
Meeting Handouts
Please note: These meeting handouts may also be found on the Town's website under the Posted
Minutes section (Laser Fiche).
Agenda (1 page).
Voting Checklist dated 3/2/17(2 pages).
Article 47 —Vote to Approve Funds for a Consultant to Update the Master Plan - $150,000; information
provided by Laura Smead (7 pages).
Draft copies of Articles 38 through Article 55(20 pages).
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